Le nubian, I watched him and it was heartbreaking. They had to break away from him because he completely broke down.

I'm going to Tivo the repeat on MSNBC tonight. Wow.

Could this be what we are facing?

Nope. I think we're in for some very tough economic times ahead, but that's it. The buffer between the Federal Government and the people are state and local governments, and they aren't all gung-ho over Bush and basically control local services.

As long as we don't have another disaster hit this country, I think the country will be okay. But if we have something hit us - natural or otherwise, I'm stockpiling shit in my basement.

In case this hasn't been linked already, Target is selling American Red Cross First Aid Emergency Preparedness Starter Kits and donating $10 of each sale to the Red Cross (through 8/31/06). Kits include:

Equipped for 4 people, the kit includes both first aid and emergency items: 2 pairs of non-latex gloves, 2 flashlights and batteries, 2 pairs of canvas gloves, first aid/emergency preparedness guide, transistor radio and batteries, 4 emergency ponchos, survival blanket, instant cold compress, 4 dust masks, children’s activity booklet and crayons, plastic drop cloth, scissors, breathing barrier, adhesive cloth tape, assorted adhesive bandages, 3" and 4" roll-type bandages, triangular bandages, absorbent compresses, 3x3" and 4x4" sterile gauze pads, hydrocortisone ointment, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, thermometers, aspirin, tweezers, moist towelettes, 4 plastic whistles and 8 snap lights.

The buffer between the Federal Government and the people are state and local governments, and they aren't all gung-ho over Bush and basically control local services.

So a well prepared municipality is in better shape. But what if a whole city or section of a State is destroyed? There are dozens of stories of FEMA blocking one community aiding another. The national guard can't be deployed from one region to another without orders from Washington. Traditionally the Republicans were the guardians of States' Rights. Has their abandonment of this task lead us to this?

Even with good local structures, could we end up with, essentially, viable city-states that are basically on their own and negotiate with one another? The world has been evolving from smaller autonamous governments to larger governments for a couple of thousand years now. Does that hit a tipping point and go ::splat:: and send us back to small 'kingdoms' of some sort?

Where is Dick Cheney?

Well, on September 9th, he'll be talking about oil.

The White House confirmed Tuesday afternoon that American Vice-President Dick Cheney is coming to visit Fort McMurray’s oilsands on Sept. 9. “The vice-president’s visit to Fort McMurray’s oilsands facilities will be a component of the trip, which will provide the opportunity to discuss energy security and available resources,” White House spokeswoman Lea Anne McBride, told Today Tuesday. A day before coming to the Fort McMurray region, Cheney will meet with Deputy Prime Minister Anne McLellan in Calgary. “They will discuss a number of issues that are important to our countries, including our strong relationship,” McBride said. The spokeswoman declined to comment on what specific issues will be discussed by Cheney and McLellan. Alex Swann, spokesman for McLellan, said when the deputy minister invited the vice-president last year she asked not simply to visit Canada but Alberta and the oilsands. “So energy is going to be the focus of the discussion of the whole visit. Naturally, because of (McLellan’s) role as the minister of national security, she will update him on what Canada is doing to help secure North America. Given the current situation she will be raising the softwood issue,” Swann said.

You know, Rove is the smart one. Let's let him out of his box for a couple of days and see what he can do with this mess. THEN we'll prosecute his ass.

LeNubian, Cheney's trip to Canada was cancelled yesterday or today.

He's not smart enough to tell his smirking weasel puppet to stop talking about Trent Lott's beach house and actually do something to help the disaster victims.